When people think of threatened or extinct animals, they typically envision creatures such as dinosaurs or saber-tooth cats. The reality is there are lists of animals that some of us never knew were threatened or extinct. If you're an American Mammoth Jackstock fan, you know that this breed is threatened and the American Mammoth Jackstock Association of Virginia wants you to learn how to help save these animals for future generations. Headquartered in Tyler, Texas, the American Mammoth Jackstock Association oversees both the American Mammoth Jackstock Registry (AMJR) and the American Mammoth Jackstock Journal (AMJJ).

None other than George Washington himself was instrumental in bringing the American Mammoth Jackstock to the United States. It did not take long for the Jackstock to become a prized possession. The versatile animals were used to transport people and goods. On farms, Jackstock were used for plowing and other farming operations. They were even used to pull heavy loads for construction purposes. The Jackstock was valued for its large size, its strength, and its temperament and prized for mule production throughout the Americas.

Today, the Jackstock is classified as an American Heritage Breed. Its importance to our country's past cannot be underestimated. But, although the Jackstock was a valued asset to its owners, the breed was eventually relegated to a role of lesser importance with the invention of the tractor and other pieces of machinery and equipment that could do more and last longer and require less care than Jackstock. The use of machinery was considered to be faster and more reliable than animals at least in the mindsets of those who valued production.

Brian Werner of Tyler, Texas along with other advisers recognized a significant decline in the numbers of foals. This decline led the Werner's to forming the American Mammoth Jackstock Association and acquisitions of both the Registry and its Journal. While the official Charter was in Virginia on George Washington's Anniversary Birth-date, Tyler, Texas is the home of the effort to save and restore the American Mammoth Jackstock.

The Werners plan to work with the Livestock Conservancy to make sure that we don't lose this American Heritage Animal. The mission of the organization is "Conserving Genetic Diversity of the American Mammoth Jackstock". Becoming a Member is vital to the legacy of the largest breed of America's Jackstocks. Publishing a journal will allow members to share valuable information that can assist in promoting awareness, educating newcomers, answering questions and providing advice.

Registering your Jackstock will assist in keeping track of the breed's numbers and will facilitate breed management efforts. In short, we will be able to document our progress to all parties interested in saving Jackstock.

While this effort will be headquartered in Tyler, Texas, we need you to support the effort as well, wherever it is that you might be!